Thesis (M.S.)--Ohio State University. / Bibliography: leaves 59-61. Available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center

Thesis (M.S.)--Ohio State University. / Bibliography: leaves 66-69. Available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center

Survey questionnaires were utilized to solicit information from women between the ages of 65 and 74 who were in attendance at senior citizens' meetings. Primary objectives of the survey questionnaire were (1) to identify an optimum size range (most frequently occurring size) on which to base the measurement portion of the study, (2) to solicit information regarding the fit of clothing, and (3) to seek information regarding garment alterations required by these women. From the eighty-eight respondents, a purposive sample of twenty-one women between the ages of 65 and 74, and falling within optimum size identified in Phase I of the study, was selected for measurement. Fifty-six measurements were made on each subject. The measurements were statistically analyzed and compared with the standard size 12 used by pattern companies and the ready-to-wear industry. The women in this study, by and large, were heavier and shorter than the reference size twelve to which they were compared.

Although there are many studies regarding body image of younger people, there have been few studies on that of older people. Since today's culture considers the young, thin body image ideal, it is important to investigate body image of older people and the relationships between their body image, self esteem, and clothing behavior. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between 1) body-cathexis and self-esteem, 2) body-cathexis and clothing behavior, 3) self-esteem and clothing behavior, 4) body cathexis and demographics, and 5) demographics and clothing behavior of selected men and women aged 55 years and older. Data were obtained from 67 men and 75 women aged 55 years and older who were members of senior centers and local churches located in Atlanta, Georgia. The questionnaire regarding body cathexis, self-esteem, clothing behavior, and demographics was administered through a mail survey. Body cathexis consisted c: five areas of body parts. A modification of Rosenberg's self-esteem scale was used with a 4-point Likert scale. The clothing behavior variable had seven dimensions. / Master of Science

The purpose of this study was to investigate possible relationships between clothing satisfaction and self-concept of a select group of women age 65 and older. An increase in the number of elderly women in the population with special clothing needs led to the development of this research. Past research indicates that elderly women are dissatisfied with purchased clothing, yet prior to this study it was not known if or how the dissatisfactions were related to their self-concepts. The sample consisted of 81 female residents of a retirement community in Salem, Virginia, and members of senior centers located in Floyd, Christiansburg, and Radford, Virginia. A questionnaire was developed for this research because a suitable one did not exist. It consisted of demographic variables, clothing satisfaction statements, and self-concept statements. Demographic data were collected to describe the sample and to compare it to the elderly population. Clothing satisfaction statements assessed satisfaction with clothing styles, fit, color, acquisition, cost, and care. An adaptation of Fitts' Tennessee Self Concept Scale was utilized to measure physical, personal, and social components of the self. A frequency distribution was used to tabulate the data. A correlation analysis determined the relationships between clothing satisfaction variables and self-concept variables. The results of this study indicated that elderly women are dissatisfied with clothing on the mass market. Significant relationships were found between total self-concept and satisfaction with clothing styles, between social self and satisfaction with clothing cost, and between physical self and overall clothing satisfaction. It was found that no relationship existed between overall clothing satisfaction and total self-concept, but the researcher concluded that because of the significant relationships clothing satisfaction indirectly influences self-concept. / M.S.